Athletes Need to Train Their Brains

March 31, 2013 | Z Altug

The average adult brain represents approximately 2% of total body weight. Your brain is constantly firing, even when you're asleep.(1)

In fact, your brain accounts for 20 percent of the energy your body uses. That might not seem like a lot, but it's the same amount used by your skeletal muscles, which comprise 40 to 50 percent of your body weight. If you want to perform at your best, you have to train your brain. (See also Develop Your Brain Game.)

Get plenty of aerobic exercise, since it may help preserve brain size (gray matter volume) and reduce the risk of cognitive impairment.(5)

Perform strength training at least once or twice a week.(6)

Get adequate rest, relaxation and sleep, since it helps repair and restore the body and brain.(7) A study showed that sleep following physical therapy sessions promotes off-line motor learning of the skills practiced during rehabilitation.(8) This implies that you need to sleep in order to retain and learn whatever your coach taught you in practice.

Be socially interactive with many people by joining clubs, volunteering or teaching.(9) Being a lone wolf does not help your brain.

Challenge your brain in as many ways as possible by engaging in music, art, reading, writing, math, and dancing—and play games like chess, crossword puzzles or computer games.